By Islam El-Sakka
Pope Leo XIV hosted American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City on Wednesday during Dylan's Italian tour stop in Rome.
Brief Encounter and Attire
The 85-year-old Nobel laureate wore an all-black outfit with a hoodie, gloves, and umbrella, contrasting with the Chicago-born pope's white vestments. The meeting was brief, according to Vatican News.
Exchange of Gifts
Leo presented Dylan with a rosary, while Dylan gifted the pope a copy of his autobiography, "Chronicles: Volume One."
Pope's Literary Connection to Dylan
The pope has previously referenced Dylan in his work, quoting an unreleased 1963 anti-nuclear song, "Go Away You Bomb," in the preface to a book titled "Disarmed and Disarming: Peace Is a Gift." The typewritten lyrics were unpublished until 2013.
Second Papal Meeting for Dylan
This was Dylan's second meeting with a pope. In 1997, he performed before Pope John Paul II and 300,000 young people in Bologna, playing four songs including "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and greeting the pontiff onstage. John Paul II later quoted "Blowin' in the Wind" in his sermon.
The meeting preceded Dylan's scheduled performance Thursday at the Palazzo dello Sport, part of his Rough and Rowdy Ways tour.
